Can you recycle bubble wrap?

📍 Check locally

Reuse first; supermarket soft-plastic points; never kerbside today

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Bubble wrap is soft plastic film: reuse it for storage and parcels, then take it (popped or not) to supermarket soft-plastic collection points. It is not accepted in kerbside recycling now but is covered by England's March 2027 kerbside film requirement. Large amounts from a house move can also go in the soft-plastic or general skip at recycling centres depending on your site.

Tips

  • Offer it on Freecycle — movers and eBay sellers want it
  • Scrunchable = soft-plastic point

Which bin does it go in?

Reuse first; supermarket soft-plastic points; never kerbside today Exact rules depend on your council — check its website or look up your postcode below.

📍 Check the rule for your address

Councils can use different containers and accepted-item lists.

Background: Plastic numbers 1–7 explained.

Also searched as: bubblewrap, packaging bubbles, air pillows.

✓ Checked against current UK guidance: 14 Jul 2026. Spot an error or an out-of-date rule?

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